Nigeria’s Supreme Court has reserved judgment in a high-stakes suit filed by 10 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-governed states challenging President Bola Tinubu’s March 2025 declaration of a six-month emergency in Rivers State—a move that suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state’s legislative assembly.

A seven-member panel led by Justice Inyang Okoro announced the decision Tuesday after adopting final written submissions from all parties. The plaintiffs—Attorneys General of Adamawa, Enugu, Osun, Oyo, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Taraba, Zamfara, and Bayelsa—argue that Tinubu exceeded his constitutional authority by appointing Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as sole administrator without National Assembly approval. Delta State, initially part of the suit, withdrew during proceedings.

Lead counsel for the plaintiffs, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), clarified that the legal challenge targets the scope of the emergency proclamation as it affects elected officials—not the president’s emergency powers themselves. Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) defended the action as a lawful and “extraordinary measure” to restore order amid a political crisis between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, now Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.

Counsel for the National Assembly, Charles Yohila, supported Fagbemi’s position, describing the suit as “speculative.”

Justice Okoro assured parties that the court would communicate the date of its ruling in due course. The case, filed under SC/CV/329/2025, is seen as a critical test of Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, which governs emergency powers and their limits.

The outcome could have far-reaching implications for executive authority, federal-state relations, and the balance of power in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape.